Angelman Syndrome

2:42 AM angelman , Mental Health , Neuroscience , Science 0 Comments

How laughing can be linked to a genetic disorder

These three children look happy and smiling but what you may not know is that, this is actually due to a disease condition called the "ANGEL MAN Syndrome".

Angel Man syndrome is a genetic condition which affects the nervous system. The disease is  rare occurring for about 1:12000 people throughout the world.
Children affected by Angel Man syndrome  typically have the following features.

1. They have a happy, excitable demeanor with frequent smiling, laughter, and hand-flapping movements.

2..Hyperactivity, a short attention span, and a fascination with water are common

3. Most affected children also have difficulty sleeping and need less sleep than usual.

Adults with Angelman syndrome have distinctive facial features that may be described as "coarse." Other common features include unusually fair skin with light-colored hair and an abnormal side-to-side curvature of the spine (scoliosis). The life expectancy of people with this condition appears to be nearly normal.

There is no specific therapy for Angelman syndrome. Medical therapy for seizures is usually necessary. Physical and occupational therapies, communication therapy, and behavioral therapies are important in allowing individuals with Angelman syndrome to reach their maximum developmental potential.